State Senator Patricia Van Pelt’s tax credit for businesses hiring ex-offenders passed out of the General Assembly today with bipartisan support. This legislation, SB 1659, will expand the maximum tax credit for businesses who hire qualified ex-offenders from $600 to $1,500.

“This legislation will offer an increased incentive for businesses to assist in the reintegration of ex-offenders into the community,” Van Pelt said. “This policy will ensure employment opportunities for all residents of Illinois and will help us rehabilitate ex-offenders.”

The credit is equal to 5 percent of the wages paid to the ex-offender. The $1500 maximum is a lifetime cap. Once an employer has claimed the credit for an ex-offender the credit cannot be claimed again for the same ex-offender. The legislation allows a business to claim this tax credit for any ex-offender hired within three years after release from an Illinois correctional facility. Offenders required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act are excluded from the tax credit.

“I want to thank Representative Art Turner for his work on this bill in the House. Expanding the definition of ‘qualified ex-offender’ will ensure business owners don’t need a law degree to decide who to hire,” Van Pelt said. “In 2010, only 23 businesses claimed this tax credit. Increasing the tax credit and expanding the pool of qualified ex-offenders will help get people back to work in my district and throughout Illinois.”

SB 1659 was overwhelmingly approved in both houses and now goes to the governor for approval.